Last week at Haute Couture Fashion week in Paris, French Jeweler Cartier officially unveiled its Coloratura high-jewelry collection that – as its name suggests – celebrates vibrant color and artistic cultures. Designed as a sensory exploration of color, Coloratura blends past and present for unique pieces of jewelry that utilize rich shades prevalent in India, animal hues that embrace life in Africa, subtle tones reminiscent of the spirit of Japan, and more.

Geometric pendant from the green and black Coloratura high-jewelry collection by Cartier.Cartier

Each piece in the collection is a one-of-a-kind work of art, although several pieces can be reproduced. The series includes individual necklaces, as well as complete suites of jewelry inspired by a specific culture or color. One necklace, inspired by the lanterns used in Asian ceremonies, features a bottle pendant made from a rubellite rough stone that has been hand-carved using the ancient art of glyptic so that it can be filled with perfume. In fact, for nearly a decade, Cartier has dedicated an entire workshop to the art of glyptic, which is supervised by an award-winning master sculptor. The pendant bottle weighs more than 200 carats of rubellite, and the 18-karat yellow gold necklace features beads made of 27.70 carats of chalcedony, 67.66 carats of chrysoprase, 22.21 carats of Morganite, 24.50 carts of onyx, 1.20 carats of orange garnets and more than 5 carats of diamonds.

Cartier also unveils an exceptional suite inspired by the brands color combinations used in jewels of the early 20th century. In this suite, the brand combines black and green – using lush tourmalines, rich green opals and black onyx or lacquer for striking beauty. Much like Cartier’s superb art deco jewels of that century, this new suite features geometric appeal, with angled, rectangular and square motifs paired with round shapes.

Like all Cartier high-jewelry pieces, prices are available only on request.Cartier

The necklace in this suite is an alluring look indicative of the brand’s artistic skills as a purveyor of fine stones, gem-setter, and high-jewelry designer extraordinaire. Crafted in platinum, the necklace is set with 53.05 carats of tourmaline beads comprising three strands that sway from a single diamond and onyx strand. The three rows come together and meet at 7.25-carat oval-shaped tourmaline, above a 14.82-carat cabochon-cut opal – beneath which sways an open-worked basket-weave pattern of platinum, onyx, diamonds and tourmalines.

Complementing the necklace is a stunning bracelet in the same motif, a raised tourmaline and diamond ring, and a superb pair of earrings made using two oval-shaped tourmalines weighing 8.32 carats. The tourmaline ovals are surrounded by diamonds that meet with two cabochon-cut opals totaling 2.17 carats, and from which half a dozen strands of tourmaline beads (weighting 16.62 carats) hang in a tassel motif. As is the case with all Cartier high-jeweled unique pieces, prices are only available on inquiry with the brand.

At the exclusive unveiling event at the Cour Carre’ at the Louvre, Cartier built a special structure, held a classical and contemporary music concert, as well as dancers. In attendance were celebrity guests including English actress Naomi Watts, Italian actress Monica Bellucci, and French actress and director Mélanie Laurent, and the evening ended with a performance by singer Dua Lipa.

I am the founder of ATimelyPerspective.com. I have authored six books on timepieces, watchmaking and wristwatch history throughout my 30 years in this fascinating industry. I also cover the jewelry business and write regularly for the world's finest newspapers and magazines....